Just looking for some OBJECTIVE opinions on the 04 Crew. Just looking over the weekend at the dealer,at first glance they seems sharp (FX4) but when I started analyzing, they really seemed to be put together kind of cheap. Test drove a 5.4, didnt really seem like a big deal..it would certainly be adequate and could feel some good torque but it did not seem to be anything to write home about and I've always been concerned about the later model Ford's reliability and poor customer Service

Visited another site but as far as I could tell, those guys would think their truck was great even if they dropped their engine on the road once a week

I know the 04 has not been getting to good of reviews in the 4X4 Magazines Etc

 

Not sure if your a possible new Ford truck owner or a previous one looking for an upgrade. When you mention Ford and poor customer service, I'm assuming you're referring to the dealer you took it to for service. A lot of folks look at the dealer as the manufacturer.

A good or poor dealer can dramatically influence what the buying public thinks about a vehicle line and customer service. The last Chevrolet I owned was a 2001 Silverado Extended cab. After 1.5 years of little things constantly going wrong with the truck (and no help from 5 different dealers), I traded it in for a 1994 F-150 SuperCab. I've never looked at a Chevrolet since, even though I work for an automotive group that is the largest Chevrolet dealer in the state.

I've had nothing but stellar service out of my previous two F-150s. My 1997 had 105,000 miles on it and purred like kitten. Every car maker can make a lemon...even Mercedes Benz. The key to an enjoyable ownership experience is 1) finding a good dealer to service you vehicle and 2) taking care of the vehicle (i.e. required maintenance).

I don't necessarily listen to everything the magazines say about a new vehicle. The views can sometimes be biased. I've been around new trucks for 8 years now since retiring from the military. Driven them all. I see what's in the shop and what's on the used car lots. I get to read the recall notices and all.

Chevrolet makes a good truck, but my money's will always be invested in an F1-50 unless something cause me to change my mind. Nothing has so far.

Happy Holidays!

SRAces
USAF (ret)

 

I think most of the new '04 owners here also like their trucks.

 

I tell you what.....
I like the new F150 so much, I'd still be happy with it if I dropped my engine on the road once a month, but I DO think I'd be upset if it happened once EVERY week!! (where'd you come up with that? )
Asking for objective opinions is great, but I think you get it all on ANY forum you go to. As opinions are important to a point, you've come to a forum where MOST will rave about their Ford trucks, with yes, a few minor and some rare more-than-minor challenges.
I don't own one yet, but from my hours spent crawling around in, over, and while driving them, I DO think they're awesome, and well-built.
If you just arrived here, spend some moments browsing the board, and I'm sure you'll find adequate opinion from Ford owners here.
Welcome aboard, and good luck in your buying decision.

What kind of info are you seeking? (Have you read Motor Trend's review? Who knows how objective it is, but it's a good thourogh read)

 

Jack671, can you be more specific about what you think is cheap? I think mine is very well put together. Todays trucks do have a lot more plastic and light weight metal than trucks of yesteryear but you will find that across the industry. My customer service experiences have been good though limited since very little has ever gone wrong with my Fords. My 04 screw is my 6th Ford truck since my first '63 F100 and I've never had a problem that I would call a "manufacturing defect", just normal wear and tear. BTW welcome to FTE! Look at all the brands, then make your decision I'm happy with the decision I made.--Jack

 

All the reviews I have read have been at least pretty good, Im not sure what "4x4" magazines you mean, but full size trucks arent really intended to be hard core off roaders if thats what you are getting at.

If you think the Ford feels cheap (assuming you are referring to the interior) then dont bother looking inside a Nissan or Toyota...

 

Again, like I've said in every other "test drove an '04 - where's the power?" thread, you have to wait at LEAST 500 miles before the power kicks in. It's a break in period and I noticed it RIGHT away. As the truck hit 250 miles, it almost was instant.

Now I have 1500 miles and it seems to be getting better every day.

Dan

 

Dan..........I LOOOOOOOOOOVE to hear THAT!!

 

I can attest to the power increase as well. I too was very wary about the power output when I initialy test drove this truck. Made me test drive a titan (hold the tomatoes). Yes it was definitely quicker, but other than that, the F150 outshined it in every other way. At around 600-700 miles, i noticed more pull and quicker acceleration. I dont know as far as how much more power, but all I can say is that it was NOTICEABLE. FWIW, I once told my friend that I will never own a truck...Hemi RAM went unoticed, Titan?, unimpressed...Chevy?, please...F150...for life.

 

I have owned chevy, dodge, and ford..... the 04 is by far my choice so far. It seems that they really did a good job of putting this one together.

 

I would have to also comment that the quality of my truck is very good, considering that is a TRUCK....not a German made sportscar.

But as for the power this truck has plenty of it, once I stomp on the pedal she really kicks in , I don't even get a hesitation.

I've got about 1400 miles on her and I am loving every minute.

 

Could you elaborate on the ways the F-150 outshined the Titan IYO? I've yet to look at Nissan but certainly will before my final decision to purchase. Thanks.

 

For me, its a matter of styling mostly, the Titan does put out a small amount more power than the new F-150, but the thing is ugly in my opinion.

 

Personally I think they're all ugly compared to the Superduty Fords. Titan, Tundra, Ram, Chubby/GMC, F-150. Did I miss any? I especially dislike Ford's tri-tone interior. I don't care for all those contrasting colors.

 

sinjin......
When you say tri-tone, I'm assuming you're talking about the Lariat? Unless you're referring to different shades of grey.
IMHO, I think the upper trim truck interiors are VERY well done, and I personally enjoy them. My girlfriend's dad doesn't like the look of the new F150 (he always likes Fords best, etc), whereas I think it kicks booty over ALL other half-tons. I too, struggled with the comparo to the SDs as far as tough looks...but I liked the F150s new looks from day one......and am growing fonder as I accomodate to the new angles.
I didn't like the look of the Titan either, although it did look better in person.....I still couldn't warm to it. My girlfriend thinks it's fugly......she could barely handle that I even wanted to test drive it! LOL Needless to say, I went on THAT test drive ALONE! ha ha

.......for whatever it's worth...